Thunder Bolts: Oklahoma City Thunder 122, Philadelphia 76ers 112

Michael Winn

Sports Blogger

@Michael_Winnboy

George, Westbrook lead the way

(ACN, Flickr)

Although “The Process” was alive and well Sunday afternoon in Oklahoma City, Paul George and Russell Westbrook carried the Thunder to victory against the 76ers. Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid combined for 49 points while missing only four and six shots, respectively, but Westbrook and George combined for 68 points. With DeMarcus Cousins done for the year after an Achilles injury, George will take his place in Los Angeles at the All-Star game.

Thunder starters thriving as All-Star weekend approaches

The Thunder starters played most of the game as expected but also scored 104 points of OKC’s 122. All of the starters had a positive plus minus except Terrance Ferguson, who is a new starter in place of Andre Roberson, who ruptured his left patellar tendon.

Bad blood between Westbrook, Embiid

Earlier in the year, Westbrook and Embiid had a moment of rivalry in Philadelphia, where after the Thunder won, Westbrook waved Embiid off the court. Sunday was no different, as early in the first quarter, Embiid drove to the basket and posterized Westbrook. Embiid then followed with a mean stare-down. Westbrook didn’t appreciate this, as on the next possession, he had a hard foul on Embiid, throwing him to the floor. Westbrook and the Thunder had the last laugh, though. When the game was decided, Westbrook dribbled the ball and stared down Embiid, who was on the sideline.